Philadelphia Weather Data
Curious about what the weather was like in Philadelphia years ago? Our historical weather data offers a look back in “weather time” and is updated monthly to capture new information collected from our rooftop weather station.
What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of at least 74 miles per hour. Learn more
Visit the Observatory
Take a look at the sun through our historic Zeiss refracting telescope and learn more about telescopes and astronomy
(Weather Permitting)
![[Franklin-Folger chart of the Gulf Stream] by Benjamin Franklin (American, 1706-1790) and Timothy Folger, ca. 1768](https://www.fi.edu/sites/default/files/styles/featured_thumb/public/images/featured-block/General_GulfStream_BenjaminFranklin.jpg?itok=5NfCsE9D "[Franklin-Folger chart of the Gulf Stream] by Benjamin Franklin (American, 1706-1790) and Timothy Folger, ca. 1768")
Benjamin Franklin and the Gulf Stream
Benjamin Franklin was the first person to chart one of the world's most important ocean currents.
Changing Earth
Explore the forces that shape the weather in The Franklin Institute's Changing Earth exhibit.
Franklin's Lightning Rod
Learn the history of Franklin's Lightning Rod and the spark of Benjamin's curiosity.
The Kite and Key Experiment
Discover the true story of one of Benjamin Franklin's most recounted scientific experiments.
Live Science
Today, we’re paying more attention to the weather than ever before. In the CBS 3 Weather Show, one of our Live Science shows, you will learn the three main ingredients that create weather, as well as some strategies to adapt to the ever changing climate around us.
Historic Weather Instruments
Learn about history of forecasting and tracking the weather with meteorological instruments from The Franklin Institute's collection.
The First Photographs of Lightning
Discover the story of William Nicholson Jennings photographs of Lightning from 1882 held in the collection of The Franklin Institute.
Climate Change
Find out more about climate change and its effects on the weather by visiting our climate change resource page.
Extreme Weather
Weather has always been one of the most dynamic and complex forces shaping our planet, but now it's intensifying in varied and complex ways. Extreme Weather, now playing in our Tuttleman IMAX® Theater takes you to the front lines of meteorology where few have gone.
Understanding Tornadoes
A tornado is a narrow, violently rotating column of air that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Learn more
Blizzards
The most powerful winter storms have been referred to as blizzards since the late 1800s. Learn more